Explain to me different hook sizes

[pauldconyers]

It is easy enough to understand the different styles of hooks such as EWG, round bend, straight shank, etc.. But what about the sizes? Other than it is larger what makes a 4/0 different than a 2/0? Is the shank just longer? Is it the distance between the hook point to the shank just greater? Both? I looked online for a diagram and didn't really find anything. This is something simple that I feel I should have a better understanding of and wanted to see if anyone could help. Thanks!

[Fishes in trees]

There isn't a lot of reason or sense to hook size numbers.  For instance, a size 12 hook is a pretty small hook, as the numbers get smaller  10, 8, 6, etc. hook sizes get bigger - til you get to 1.   There isn't any 0 size hook as far as I know,

so hooks bigger than a 1 get a slash (1/0, 2.0, etc)

 

Now to help you more, hook sizes aren't necessarily the same size between different companies and even within the same company they aren't necessarily the same size for different wire gauges.  To help even more, a decade or so ago

Eagle Claw came out with a series of half sizes. That didn't last long - too bad, I was waiting for other fractional sizes, just for fun.

 

So there really isn't any defined characteristics - not like bolts of screws anyway.   So what you do is buy a size that looks like it will work for what you want to do and try it and if that don't work, you have some info on what size to try next.

 

You live in KC - go to Roger in Liberty, MO - they have a generous selection of hooks, but not so large that it is overwhelming,  look at the differences and go from there.   The help there is helpful, take advantage of that and ask questions.

 

[pauldconyers]

I go to Roger's all the time and talk to Dave. my question goes back to a few weeks ago when I asked for a recommendation on why size hook to use with some 9 inch worms. I certainly expected to get a lot of many different opinions as to what STYLE of hook to use but I was SHOCKED to read all the different size recommendations! I thought that was something that would have a pretty standard answer but it was FAR from it. I wanted to make a decision for myself if there was so much variance in the answer I got back.

[redmexican5081]

In the same line of hooks by manufacturer, the larger the x/0 number the larger the hook.  This means the shank length, the offset, the gap, and even the wire gauge.  When I get home tonight I can post up a picture of 1/0-4/0 of the same type from the same manufacturer.  The hook size you use is really a personal preference.  I try to use a hook that goes back into the plastic at a spot that I figure is correct.  I wouldn't use a 4/0 on a 4" worm because the length of the hook would put it too far back along the bait.  I wouldn't use a 1/0 in an 8" worm because the hook point would be too close to the nose.

[scaleface]

1 hour ago, pauldconyers said:

I was SHOCKED to read all the different size recommendations!

Make sure the gap is at least twice the size as the thickness of the worm and you will be all right .I try to get it as close as I can to twice the thickness and if I feel the need for a heavier wire then I'll go up a size .  

[Deleted account]

1 hour ago, pauldconyers said:

 but I was SHOCKED to read all the different size recommendations! 

Since there is no standard in hook sizing, and most baits can be fished (most efficiently) with 2 hook sizes, assuming you speak to 10 people and they use say 4 different brand of hooks, you will get (I didn't do the math) 6-8 different answers. No SHOCK there. It's a matter of matching the hook to the bait (and then to the line and rod, but let's keep it simple). And going with what works for you. I tend to use a smaller, lighter hook than most, and that's what works for me. I also only use a few different plastics, and know what size and bend hook I want regardless what the pkg is labeled. 

[redmexican5081]

These are gamagatsu off set round bend hooks. I measured them with a set of calipers. Measurements are diameter of wire, off set, and shank to point gap.

[Harold Scoggins]

Let Glenn explain.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tbI8h1XMAvc

[HeyCoach]

I use a 3/0 EWG hook with my senkos. 

[JustJames]

It is a trial and error. If you can go to local tackle store with your worm and compare to hook you prefer. I remembered had to buy many hooks until I found I like and stick to it. For comparison Gamakatsu EWG 4/0 and VMC drop dead 4/0, VMC Looks like a 5/0 or 6/0 to me.

I used mostly 7/0 EWG hook for 9” worm, and sometime 5/0 worm hook. For worm type in my ideal a little shorter hook shouldn’t effect much since most bass would inhale the whole worm, unless you got those d**n dinks